The lawyer Luis Carlos Battista from FitzGeorge Law highlighted a stark contradiction defining Cuba's energy crisis: while the regime claims it lacks fuel to power hospitals or provide electricity to its citizens, it somehow finds the resources to transport people in buses to political events and keep its repressive forces operational.
This observation comes amidst the sanction declared by Secretary of State Marco Rubio against CUPET, Cuba's state-owned oil company, effectively cutting off its access to international financial systems and halting fuel shipments from the United States.
In an interview with CiberCuba, Battista concurred with journalist Tania Costa that while the government argues it lacks the fuel to supply electricity to the populace, it manages to fill buses with people for political events and keep police patrols ready to suppress protests.
"The fuel for patrols is gone, private jets are grounded, official cars are off the road; that part is ending too," emphasized Tania.
Battista acknowledges that the sanction has two intertwined impacts.
The first, widely recognized: the scarcity of water, extended blackouts, and surgeries canceled in pitch-dark hospitals...
This paradox aligns with Marco Rubio's remarks when announcing the sanction, accusing the regime of diverting energy resources for the Castro family's private jets, buses for "phony protests," and tourist hotels, while ordinary Cubans endure blackouts.
Battista also warns of an already visible side effect: "More airlines are cutting flights to Cuba due to the lack of jet fuel. Consequently, people needing to leave or travel to Cuba for any reason find their plans undeniably disrupted."
The lawyer admitted the measure's impact on the Cuban population, which is already suffering from an electric generation shortfall that hit a record 2,153 MW in May.
"How long this agony will last is uncertain. One way or another, I always think of the civilian population, my family, my friends, and I know they are struggling," he stressed.
When asked if privatizing CUPET could be the solution, Battista was cautious yet open: "I don't believe it's the solution, it's a solution. Privatizing CUPET is possible."
Battista explained that it's technically feasible: "There are many ways, such as creating another entity with private capital, public capital, or an entirely private entity. There is a possibility."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Its Implications
What is the main contradiction in Cuba's energy crisis?
The primary contradiction is that while the Cuban government claims it lacks fuel to power hospitals and provide electricity to its citizens, it finds fuel to transport people to political events and maintain its repressive forces.
How have sanctions affected CUPET?
Sanctions against CUPET have blocked its access to international financial systems and halted fuel shipments from the United States, intensifying Cuba's energy crisis.
What effects are visible due to the lack of jet fuel?
As a result of the jet fuel shortage, more airlines are canceling flights to Cuba, affecting travel plans for those needing to leave or visit the country.